In the blink of an eye, Tish Baker’s life changed forever on January 10 this year.
The keen motorcyclist was struck by a car while on a friend’s bike, on a day trip to Lake Eacham.
“I was with two other bikes and we were going for a swim to Lake Eacham,” Ms Baker said.
But in that moment when she was struck by a car, everything changed.
Her friend’s Harley Davidson was written off and Tish spent eight days in Cairns Hospital with serious injuries.
A broken femur, broken ribs, broken toe, spinal fracture, ligament damage, numbness in her shins, a DVT and injuries to her left hand are the outcomes for this 34-year-old woman.
Surgery resulted in a pin being inserted down her femur and Tish is about to start physio.
The keen motorcyclist has previously taken part in the Wayne Leonard’s Motorcycle Muster, although this year she physically won’t be able to.
“I’m keen to get back on a motorbike, but not for a while yet,” she said.
But she is happy to help promote the event, knowing the good it does.
The first event, held in 2002, raised more than $19, 000, which enabled the Foundation to buy a high-tech cost to transport critically ill and pre-term babies.
Since then, the event has raised more than $700, 000, with 2016 being the 15th year the event has been held.
In 2016, more than 40 motorcyclists will fundraise and spend the weekend at Mission Beach.
Hospital Foundation CEO Tony Franz said funds raised this year would go towards Cairns Hospitals emergency department.
“We’re fundraising this year for a video laryngoscope and a non-invasive ventilator or bi-pap machine, with a total value of just over $60, 000,” Mr Franz said.
“We will have a Harley Davidson art union in various shopping centres around town and people can make donations, register or buy tickets online at www.motorcyclemuster.com.au,” he said.
Photo: Tish Baker chats with Foundation CEO Tony Franz about her accident and how fundraising on the Wayne Leonard's Motorcycle Muster will help the Cairns Hospital emergency department.
